Bear-man conflicts on rise

Fri, Dec 8, 2017

GANGTOK: In the wake of wild bears attacking humans and cattle in various parts of the State, the State Forest department has requested people leaving near forest areas to take precautionary measures to avoid any further attacks.
Chief Wildlife Warden C.S. Rao said there has been numerous wild bear attacks reported recently this year in various parts of the State wherein some of the victims are reported to be seriously injured. As per government norms, the victims are provided with assistance of Rs. 50,000 for minor injury, Rs. 1 lakh for serious injury and Rs. 4 lakh in case of death.
“Apart from the assistance, we also are providing all medical facilities of the victims that have been attacked by wild bears,” said Rao.
He advised the people residing in the nearby villages of the forest areas to move in groups and avert night movement along the forest areas. In case of any emergency movement during night time, they must use some kind of fire as animals are scared of fire, he said.
Rao added that this year reports of wild bear attacks has increased compared to last year.